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Tours & Excursions

Snorkeling,
kayaking, surfing, bird and whale watching, walking
tours, horseback riding and boat tours are
only some of our exciting tour options available for you to discover
during your stay at Cristal Ballena.

All Tours can be booked at the hotel. The indicated tour prices
are based on the information of the tour operators, are non binding and may
vary depending on season and exchange rates. The current tour prices and
information is provided at the hotel reception..

1. "Cristal Ballena" Rainforest Trail

A guided walk through the rain forest area behind the hotels "Casa
Blanca".

The Rainforest Trail takes you through a private reservation located
behind the hotel.

The Trail is an approximately
1¼-mile walk through the jungle, during which you will have an opportunity
to observe howler and capuchin monkeys, leaf cutter ants, coatimundis
(pizotes) and a variety of other jungle animals.

If you wish to take a walk with a guide along the “Cristal Ballena” Rainforest
Trail, please register one day in advance at the reception.

Time/Duration

Is up to you,
though mornings are
recommended.
appr. 2 hours

Charge (approx.):

free feature of the hotel

Remarks:

Use of the trail is at guest's own risk.

Toucan and butterfly (mariposa) on the rain
forest trail.

2. Whales and Dolphins

Boat tour to spot whales and dolphins.

You’ll ride with an experienced crew out into the ocean to an area where
whales and dolphins can generally be spotted.

The best time to see whales
is between July and the end of October, as well as from the end of November
until late April. Because these excursion boats are in radio contact with
each other, whale sightings are reported at once and boats quickly converge
on the areas in question. Several dolphins can generally be found in the
vicinity.

If you are lucky, you will see any of five different whale species,
including humpback and pilot whales. If you are then daring enough to
jump into the water, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to eavesdrop
on whales as they sing to each another.

The tour takes you past the Roca Ballena, where you will be able to espy
numerous bird species and their nests. On the beach of Playa Ventana,
you can still see beautiful caves forged by the sea and the colonies of pelicans
that live here.

Time/Duration

Daily 7:00 a.m., appr. 3 hours

Charge (approx.):

$ 70 p.p. (children: $ 45 each),
transfer back
and forth: $ 5 p.p.

Additional information:

Very enchanting scenery, with an impressive display
of color off the ocean depending on the time of day, option to combine
with snorkeling at no additional charge

Roco Ballena and caves close to Playa Ventana

3. Corcovado Day Trip

Observe all kind of animals in the "Corcovado" National park

The tour starts in Sierpe, where you bord the boat. Once on the boat, you will make your way past the mangroves and through the Sierpe river. You will then head out across the open ocean to the “San Pedrillo” ranger station, located in the country’s second-largest national park, the “CORCOVADO”.

With a little luck, you will have a chance to spot dolphins or whales from the boat.

Once you have arrived at the national park, you will take a walk lasting around 3 hours through the beautiful rainforest, Led by your guide, you will be able to observe all kinds of animals, including capuchin and howler monkeys, coatimundis, parrots, along with amphibians and reptiles.

After the hike, you will be served lunch at the ranger station. You will have some free time to yourself, before embarking on the boat ride back to Sierpe through the mangroves.

Time/Duration

8:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m, full day

Charge (approx.):

$ 95 p.p

Additional information:

Entrance fee for the Corcovado National Park and lunch are included
in the price.

Corcovado and Parrots in the trees.

4. Horseback outing of the Nauyaca
Waterfalls

Horseback ride with experienced guide

Led by an experienced guide, you will ride horses to one of the region’s
most impressive natural highlights – the Nauyaca Waterfalls.

Before you reach them, you will cross the Barucito river and, after 45 minutes,
come to “Don Lulo’s” House, where you will be served a
typical Costa Rican breakfast. A mini zoo there gives you the opportunity
to become friends with a variety of animals.

After breakfast, you will continue on horseback to the waterfalls, where
you will spend about 1½ hours. This will give you plenty of time
to swim in the 10,700 sq.ft. pool below the waterfall, to climb the rocks
(at your own risk) and take a daredevil jump into the 22 ft.-deep waters
below. Perhaps, however, you might prefer just to quietly enjoy the
nature around you.

As you make your way back to the start of the tour, a lavish TICO lunch
awaits you at “Don Lulo’s” House.

Time/Duration

Daily,
approx. 6 hours

Charge (approx.):

$ 45 p.p., transfer
$ 80 per group

Additional information:

also well-suited for children, children up to
age 4 may join the tour at no extra charge.

On horseback to the Nauyaca Waterfalls

5. Mangroves Tour

Observe wildlife in the mangroves.

You will leave Ojochal by boat and make your way out to
the biggest contiguous mangrove area in all of Central America. Bird
lovers, in particular, will have the time of their lives, having the opportunity
to observe a wealth of birds, including a variety of herons, osprey,
parrots, etc. Monkeys swinging through the tree tops and caymans (small
crocodiles) can readily be observed along the shoreline.

Because the
boat brings you very close to the animals, you can capture these unforgettable
experiences with your own camera.

Time/Duration

Daily, appr. 3 hours

Charge (approx.):

$ 50 p.p., transfer back and forth $ 5 p.p.

Additional information:

highly recommended for bird watchers, important
to coordinate with high and low tides

The mangroves with its wildlife (Osprey ).

6. Flight of the Toucan - Canopy Tour

Enjoy the superb views from the tree lookout
platforms.

The Canopy Tour in the “Hacienda Baru” nature reserve is
a true joy for the whole family. Glide down a variety of zip lines from
one platform to another and enjoy the superb views from your tree lookout
platform (115 ft. above the ground), not only of the rainforest itself, but
also those fascinating vistas of the coast and ocean.

Your two guides don’t only pay close attention to your safety, they
also share – in English – all kinds of insights regarding native
flora and fauna, as well as about the the re-naturing of the reserve, part
of the “Refugio National de Vida Silvestre”.

Time/Duration

daily, approx. 2 – 3 hours

Charge (approx.):

$35 p.p., transfer not included in the price

Additional information:

also well-suited for children, professionally
organized with very high safety standards; may also be combined with “Climbing
in the Tree Tops” – charge $ 55 p.p.

Canopy Platform and sliding along the zip line.

7. Climbing in the Tree Tops

Your way up to the top

Accompanied by a bilingual guide, you will make your way up to the very top of the rainforest.

Secured by a special harness, you will climb a 115 ft.
rope up the side of one of the giants of the rain forest, enjoying the wonders of nature as you go. You can take a break and relax whenever you want.
Average physical conditioning suffices to climb the tree. No athletic prowess necessary!

The perfect way to explore the rain forest. Soak in the scenery
to your heart's content, before you allow yourself to float like a feather
back down to the ground below.

Time/Duration

Daily 7:00 a.m., appr. 2-3 hours

Charge (approx.):

$ 35 p.p., transfer not included in the price

Additional information:

after the tour, you can also make your way down
the clearly sign-posted forest trail
(fee $ 6) and swim in the ocean;
may also be combined with “Flight of the Toucan Tour ” – fee
$ 55 p.p.

Climbing in the tree tops.

8. Rainforest Hiking Trail

A clearly marked, 4½ mile-long hiking trail provides you with
a perfect way to explore the rainforest on your own, access a pristine beach
located within the nature reserve, as well as to enjoy splendid views out
over the ocean from the hill tops.

Various vegetation zones reveal themselves
before you – the path takes you through primary and secondary forests,
wetland areas, grasslands, as well as mangroves. Along the trail and
on the beach, you are sure to encounter an animal or two. So keep your
camera handy!

Time/Duration

open daily from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00
p.m.
However long it takes you to walk the 4½ miles

Charge (approx.):

$ 6 p.p., transfer not included in the price

Additional information:

You will also have an opportunity to visit an
orchid and butterfly garden; lends itself wonderfully as an all-day outing.

Capuchin monkey and Morpho butterfly

9. Bird Watching

Spot the hummingbird

Visit the ORO Verde, a private bio-reservation, and discover a broad
range of magnificent tropical bird species, such as toucans, parrots, trogons,
motmots, manakins, chachalacas and many more.

While walking along the
carefully laid out paths, it is often possible to spot beautiful, shimmering
blue Morpho butterflies. Your experienced tour guide will give you expert
information on the flora and fauna along the way.

With a little bit
of luck, you will not only see birds, but also monkeys, coatimundis,
sloths, squirrels and many other creatures.

Time/Duration

daily from 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.,
approx. 3 hours, approx. 9 miles north of the hotel

Charge (approx.):

$ 30 p.p.; we are also happy to organize transfers, fare $ 20 each

Additional information:

Sturdy shoes recommended; rubber boots are available
on site and may be borrowed free of charge – please bring your own
socks

10. Hiking Trip

Experience birds, monkeys
and other animal species in their natural habitat. You can opt to make
this leisurely hike either a 2- or 4-hour tour.

After your hike, you’ll receive a snack to give yourself an energy
boost. On the way back, you should still have plenty of opportunity
to enjoy the splendid scenery of the Marino Ballena National Park.

Time/Duration

daily at 7:00 a.m., your choice of
either 2 or 4 hours. Approx. 9 miles north of the hotel

Charge (approx.):

$ 20 p.p. for 2 hours, $ 35 p.p. for 4 hours;
price includes a small snack; transfer back and forth $20 p.p. if desired

Additional information:

Sturdy shoes recommended; rubber boots are available
on site and may be borrowed free of charge – please bring your own
socks.

Trail in the Oro Verde bio-reservation; Chameleon.

11. Sport Fishing Sierpe

What a catch!

Costa Rica is well known for its deep, blue, crystalline water that
offers some of the most magnificent fishing experiences in the world.

The water of Drake Bay offers world class bill fishing with a wide
array of species throughout the year.

12. Fishing Tour Uvita

You will be picked up from the hotel by the tour operator and driven
to the “Playa Uvita”, a beautiful beach in the National Park.

Once
there, you will board a boat already equipped with fishing rods and sail
out to some good fishing waters. Here you will have an opportunity to
fish for tuna, mahi-mahis and marlins.

If you make arrangements with
the captain, you’ll also be able to take a cruise around nearby Ballena
Island. Book a long enough tour and you will also have an opportunity
to sail out to Caño Island (approx. 2 hours away).

Time/Duration
Location

at least 1 hour, otherwise
by arrangement, 4 miles north of the hotel

Charge (approx.):

$ 65 per hour and boat, transfer back and forth
$ 5 p.p. (max 4 p.)

Additional information:

Equipment for a regular fishing tour is provided

Tuna and Mahi-Mahi

13. Kayaking in the Mangroves

Led by an experienced kayaker, you’ll paddle along, generally
in a 2-person boat, through broad waterways and narrow canals, often only
passable during high tide, and through the biggest mangrove area in Central
America.

As you make your way close to shore, you’ll discover
a wonderful world of animals and birds. If desired, the tour operator
can pick you up and take you out to the start of the kayak tour (around 20
mins. from the hotel).

Time/Duration
Location

daily, no fixed times – should
take into account low and high tides, approx. 3 hours, 9 miles south of
the hotel

Charge (approx.):

$ 50 p.p., transfer back and forth $ 5 each

Additional information:

average physical condition is adequate, ideal
clothing includes swimwear, something to cover your head and a T-shirt

Kayaks on the river, Mangroves

14. Reptile Land

Poisonous or not?

Visit the only reptile park in the southern Pacific region. Stroll
along, either accompanied by a knowledgeable guide or on your own, through
the beautifully designed botanical garden.

In the 55 different terrariums,
you will discover, not only poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, but also
frogs, iguanas, caymans (small crocodiles) and turtles.

For a very special
experience, attend the feeding of the turtles and crocodiles which takes
place every Friday. And don’t forget to bring along a picnic to
enjoy in the pavilion.

The animals are fed every Friday, nighttime tours
are possible (please ask for details at the reception), multi-lingual tours
available on request.

Crocodile; Family with rainbow boa

15. Diving and Snorkling on Caño Island

You will be picked up early in the morning by a bus provided by the
tour organizer. You’ll then drive to the village of Sierpe, where you
will have an opportunity to enjoy a wonderfully prepared breakfast.

Then
it’s time for a boat ride along the Sierpe River and out onto the open
ocean for a 50-min. trip to Caño Island. Once you’ve arrived,
you’ll be outfitted with the very latest in snorkeling or diving equipment,
depending on which you have chosen to do. As well you can just enjoy
yourself at the beautiful beach.

During the 2 dives, each of which lasts
about 40 minutes, you will be able to enjoy the sight of reef sharks, moraine
eels, and numerous other colorful fishes and corals. Between dives or
snorkeling sessions, the boat will take you to land, where you will be served
a small snack. You will also have a brief opportunity to lie on the
beach and let your thoughts wander.

On the return trip to your starting
point in Sierpe, your experienced guides will acquaint you with the wonderful
world of the mangroves, as well as show you the monkeys, snakes, owls, crocodiles,
toucans and bats along the banks.

Time/DurationLocation

Daily, leaving the hotel at about
6:45 a.m., until about 5:00 p.m., 34 miles south of the hotel (Sierpe)

Charge (approx.):

$ 145 p.p. (diving), $ 95 p.p. (snorkeling)

Additional information:

high safety standards, new diving equipment is
provided

Diving activity with latest diving or snorkling
equipment

16. Surfing Playa Ventana or Dominical

Surfing the wave ...

There are two opportunities close to the hotel: Playa Ventana (approx.
3.5 miles from the hotel): smaller waves, ideal for learning surfing technique;
surfing lessons are offered to groups of 2 or more people.

Playa Dominical (around 19 miles north of the hotel): bigger waves,
ideal for surfers who are already more expert.

Time/DurationLocation

Transfers are offered from the hotel
to the Playa Ventana for $ 5 p.p. Transfers to the Playa Dominical
can be organized by the hotel.